Scene XIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Chastity and Virginity

  Constance and her virgins are praised for preserving their virginity, and Gallicanus supports their vow.

• Redemption and Repentance

  Gallicanus's conversion leads him to renounce his former desires and dedicate his life to God.

• The War Between Flesh and Spirit

  Gallicanus struggles with the temptation of seeing Constance and chooses spiritual discipline over earthly attachment.

Characters to notice

• Gallicanus

  Renounces Constance, supports her vow, and decides to devote his life to God as a disciple of Hilarion.

• Constance

  Reaffirms her vow of virginity and acknowledges God's hand in Gallicanus's transformation.

• Constantine

  Welcomes Gallicanus into the palace and blesses his plans to serve God and give away his wealth.

Key passages

• “Be at peace, most holy virgins. Persevere in the fear of God, and preserve untouched the treasure of your virginity.”

  Gallicanus encourages the virgins to remain steadfast in their devotion and protect their chastity.

  Gallicanus affirms the value of virginity and supports the women in their spiritual commitment.

• “The Lover of virginal purity and the Author of all good resolutions made you renounce me because He had already claimed me for His own.”

  Constance explains that God, who loves purity, caused Gallicanus to give her up because she was already dedicated to Him.

  Constance interprets Gallicanus's change of heart as divine intervention.

• “I am giving to my daughters the portion of my property which is theirs by right. Another I am devoting to the support of pilgrims. With the remainder I propose to enrich my slaves—whom I have freed—and to relieve the poor.”

  Gallicanus plans to distribute his wealth among his daughters, pilgrims, freed slaves, and the poor.

  Gallicanus demonstrates his conversion through acts of charity and renunciation of material wealth.